Karystos at a glance
Karystos sits on the south coast of Evia, with a harbour, neoclassical buildings and Mount Ochi in the hinterland. It is the natural base for the south: the Dimosari Gorge, the dragon houses and several beaches are all within reach of the town. Distances are long, though. From Chalkida it is 118 km and about 2 hours 35 minutes, and from Athens over the high bridge 191 km and about 3 hours 29 minutes (one way, driving time only).
Because of those distances, many visitors stay a few nights instead of trying it as a day trip. If you prefer someone else to drive, have a look at the Evia tours and day trips before you decide.
What to see around Karystos
The sights and what to check before you go.
Bourtzi sea fortress
The Bourtzi is a fortress at the water's edge by the town. You can see and photograph it from the shore. Do not count on going inside, and do not plan around fixed visiting hours or a museum ticket.
The dragon houses
The dragon houses are monumental drystone buildings with overhanging roofs in the south of the island. Archaeologists have studied them since 2020. Their purpose and age are still being studied, so the name says little about what they were.
Mount Ochi
Ochi rises behind the town and is a protected area. A protected status does not mean a ticket booth or a staffed trail. Ask locally about the road and the paths before you head up, and do not count on a clear view from the top.
Dimosari Gorge
The gorge runs northeast of Ochi to the coast. It is a long route, not a short stroll. Read our page on the Dimosari Gorge before you plan it.
Our pick: the Dimosari Gorge from Karystos
A full-day hike with the transfer from Karystos included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Evia tours and day trips
Boat trips, hiking and guided day trips on Evia, with live prices and availability.
Blue Flag beaches in the Karystos area
Three awards in 2026.
| Beach | Municipality | 2026 Blue Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Venus | Karystos | Yes |
| Kokkini | Karystos | Yes |
| Kremala | Karystos | Yes |
A Blue Flag is an award for a single beach, not a guarantee for the whole coast, and it is not a daily water report. Check lifeguard hours and parking on the day, and look at the conditions when you arrive. Our Evia beaches guide compares the rest of the island.
Rafina to Marmari ferry
If you come from Athens, the ferry from Rafina to Marmari avoids the road through Chalkida. Marmari is a port on the south coast, not Karystos itself, so you still need a drive onward.
- Passenger: €12 in 2026.
- Cars: €27 or €30, depending on the vehicle category. Motorbikes €8, €10 or €11.
- Children: free up to age 4, half price from 5 to 10. Some students, large families and people with a disability get 50 percent with proof, under the operator's conditions.
- Check-in: tickets carry names. Be at the port 30 minutes ahead on foot and 1 hour ahead with a vehicle.
- Duration: about 1 hour. Timetables change with the season, so check before you go.
Planning your stay
How to fit Karystos in.
Karystos suits a two or three night stay combined with the Ochi area, a beach day and the Dimosari Gorge. For the sleeping areas on the island, see where to stay on Evia. Weather affects the south: check the season on our Evia weather page, because mountain roads and the gorge depend on it. If you arrive by car, car rental from Athens Airport explains the route and the ferry rules for rental cars.
Karystos: frequently asked questions
How far is Karystos from Athens?
It is 191 km and about 3 hours 29 minutes by car over the high bridge at Chalkida, one way and without stops.
Can I visit the inside of the Bourtzi?
You can see it from the shore. Entry to the interior and fixed opening hours are not something to rely on, so ask locally.
Which beaches near Karystos have a Blue Flag?
Venus, Kokkini and Kremala hold a 2026 Blue Flag. The flag is a seasonal award for each beach.
Does the Rafina ferry land in Karystos?
No. It lands in Marmari, and you drive on from there. A passenger pays €12 and a car €27 or €30 in 2026.
What are the dragon houses?
They are monumental drystone buildings with overhanging roofs in southern Evia. Their purpose and age are still being studied.